Equipment Certification Specialist I (#1874)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Equipment Certification Specialist performs scheduled testing and certifications on all primary containment equipment in BSL-0, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories including, but not limited to, biosafety cabinets, downdraft tables, Class III glove boxes and chemical fume hoods within NBACC. Performs scheduled testing and certifications on all biocontainment HVAC HEPA filters and hydrophobic HEPA filters. The ECS functions as the lead for all certifications, including maintaining all necessary paperwork.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years' experience performing testing and certification of primary biocontainment equipment and HEPA filters.
• NSF Certification preferred-not required.
• Demonstrates experience in being a technical lead in HEPA certifications.
• Ability to pass the security risk assessment for access to Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.
• Preferred experience working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratories.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office Suite or equivalent.
• Must be highly detail oriented, organized, and dependable.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
• Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) may be required, dependent upon position and/or business needs.
• May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs scheduled testing and certifications on all primary containment equipment in laboratories, to include performance of HEPA Leak Test, Airflow Smoke Pattern Test, Water Intrusion Test, and Downflow/Inflow Velocity Tests.
• Performs unscheduled troubleshooting and repair services and associated unscheduled testing/certifications as needed on all primary containment equipment laboratories.
• Certifies all primary containment equipment upon installation and whenever such equipment is relocated, HEPA filters are changed, maintenance repairs are made to internal parts, and annually thereafter.
• Performs scheduled annual testing, and unscheduled testing and certification on all HVAC biocontainment HEPA and hydrophobic HEPA filters.
• Creates, maintains, and audits all certification records related to primary containment equipment and HEPA certification and testing.
• Acts as a mentor for subordinates and/or technical personnel.
• Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
• Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.